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About 1,000 places may be lost in universities, if the cuts are implemented

Some 17,000 education and training places could go as a result of severe cutbacks, the Department for Employment and Learning has revealed.

It means that 1,500 jobs are at risk: 650 in higher education, 500 in further education and 400 civil servants.

About 1,000 places may be lost in universities but 16,000 would go from further education colleges.

The department is being asked to cut £82m or 10.8% from its annual spending.

Employment and Learning Minster Stephen Farry said the level of cuts proposed was "unprecedented".

Mr Farry said: "This document outlines the possible impact on a wide range of functions and services across the department and arms length bodies in response to the executive's draft budget.

Savings plan

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Media captionTrevor Connolly said 1,000 teaching jobs and 1,500 non-teaching jobs could be lost

"The level of cuts being proposed for the department is unprecedented and this will have far reaching and deep implications across all of the department's provision.

"The potential measures will impact on the universities, colleges and other sectoral training providers and will almost certainly result in a reduction in places offered to train and educate our young people."